The LZH develops and optimizes special processes for established materials as well as special materials. The scientists of the LZH conduct research on both polymers and metals.

Groundbreaking: multi-materials
Rarely do products consist of only one material. In order to be able to manufacture these additively in one go, the LZH is conducting research on multi-material printing. With nozzle-based methods, for example, the scientists can create hardness gradients in a polymer component. This is interesting, among other things, for wearables, in-ear hearing aids and headphones. They should be soft and comfortable on the outside but hard enough on the inside to optimally ensure their function. Researchers continue to work on embedding metals in polymer matrices. Another option would be to print conductors or to magnetize components in that way. For this topic, the institute is looking for interested companies for joint research projects.

Lightweight, individual, robust: additive manufacturing of metal
The additive manufacturing of metals enables completely new ways of constructing components: Components for the automotive industry and the aerospace industry become lighter; special materials such as magnesium are used in lightweight construction as well as in biomedical engineering, functions can be integrated directly in one manufacturing step, implants are adapted exactly to the body. Selective Laser (micro)Melting, which is being researched by the LZH scientists, makes all these applications possible. Additive manufacturing is just as suitable for repairing or protecting valuable components. With laser-assisted deposition welding, the LZH can apply large quantities of material to provide large components, such as shafts, with a protective layer. At present, 7.5 kilograms per hour can be reliably deposited. Valuable goods such as turbine blades can be repaired by single-crystalline laser deposition welding.

The LZH is not only pursuing creative approaches in additive manufacturing - on the exhibition stand, in addition to additive manufacturing, the institute will highlight the safe deactivation of World War II bombs, and other areas of laser material processing.

As an independent, non-profit research institute, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) stands for innovative research, development and consulting. The LZH is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Economics, Labour and Transport and is dedicated to the selfless promotion of applied research in the field of photonics and laser technology. Founded in 1986, over 170 employees are now working for the LZH.

The focus of the LZH lies on the fields of optical components and systems, optical production technologies, and biomedical photonics. Interdisciplinary cooperation between natural scientists and mechanical engineers makes innovative approaches to challenges from the most different areas possible: from the development of components for specific laser systems to process developments for the most diverse laser applications, for example for medical technology or lightweight construction in the automotive sector. Nineteen spin off companies have emerged from the LZH up to now. Thus, the LZH has created a strong transfer between fundamental science, application oriented research, and industry.